Priština, 22 January 2008 – In a meeting today with local residents in Skënderaj/Srbica, Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General in Kosovo (SRSG) Joachim Ruecker discussed the current political situation and the importance of involving all communities in Kosovo’s municipal institutions.Those attending the meeting included the new mayor of Skënderaj/Srbica, Mr. Sami Lushtaku, Municipal Assembly members, Kosovo Police Service (KPS), Kosovo Protection Corps, religious leaders, war veterans, and members of Adem Jashari’s family. “I have the greatest respect for the people of this region,” Mr. Ruecker said.

The SRSG commended the new mayor for setting an example by reaching out to the Kosovo Serb community of Skënderaj/Srbica, both before and soon after taking office in January, and asked to revive the Communities Committee. He also applauded the role of the KPS in the municipality in ensuring security in all areas.

“Skenderaj can show the world that Kosovo does not only have a democratic future, but also a multi-ethnic future,” Mr. Ruecker said.